DEEP RIVER— Voters at a town meeting Tuesday gave quick approval to a $550,000 appropriation to purchase a reconditioned aerial ladder fire truck, and a related five-year lease-purchase agreement for the purchase. About 35 residents turned out, approving both resolutions on unanimous voice votes without discussion.

The lease purchase arrangement with Sun Trust Leasing Corporation of Towson, Md. was approved last month by the board of selectmen and board of finance. The agreement calls for annual payments of about $118,000, with the annual interest rate set at 2.25 percent. The first payment would be in July 2013, the start of the next budget year.

First Selectman Richard Smith said the town has worked with the Maryland company on lease-purchase arrangements for three fire trucks and two highway department vehicles in recent years. He said the most recent lease/purchase was paid off this year.

Fire Chief Tim Lee said the reconditioned truck would replace a 1977 ladder truck. Lee said a committee of Deep River Volunteer Fire Department members would now begin shopping for a reconditioned aerial ladder truck, with a goal of acquiring a truck that is less than ten years old. Lee said the exact price would be determined after negotiations with the vendor. He said the department hopes to receive delivery of the truck before the end of the year.